THE RISING TRENDS OF PROTESTS

Some years back, protests were seen as an unnecessary intrusion that used to lead to problems in proper functioning of the government. But, over the years, protests have become adjunct to democracy. These movements have become an integral part in helping the government form policies.

During protests the use of power becomes a common sight.

Only in the past few decades has the whole trend of protesting gained momentum. It is not possible to exactly pinpoint the year or one particular event in the history that bought about the change, but it has been a slow and gradual process. Protests are a two way stream. At one hand, it can be debated that they are an essential part but there are people in the society who do not share the same opinion. Some people believe that protests give equal rights to each and every citizen to stand up to what they feel is erroneous and raise their voice. For people who do not have easy access to the higher strata off the bureaucracy, protests are a way for them to get recognized, it is a bandwagon for justice that everyone hops into, it is a tool for equality. But, at the same time the counter argument to this comes from people who still believe that protests are a waste of resources and are an unnecessary disruption in the working of the governments’ daily function.

“What we as budding sociologists feel is, that everything is a social construct and hence I think that protests too, are a social construct. There are people who have positive opinions and some have negative opinions towards a subject matter. Protests always have negative connation attached to it but it is not true. People who are in no way a part of this protest think that these things create anarchy. But they are important to sustain stability in today’s society.” says a student of Sociology Honours.

Protesters protesting about their problems.

These days, taking out rallies, candle light marches, ‘dharna’ etc are a weapon that everyone uses when things don’t go according to their wishes. Be it the Aam Admi or any other member of the society who has been wronged. These ways of ‘expression of freedom’ are an important part that makes democracy what it is and should continue in the long run.